The visit is the first by a Polish president to the Philippines, according to presidential minister Marcin Przydacz.
Przydacz said the visit is also part of Poland’s wider activity around the G20. Although the Philippines is not a G20 member, it holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, giving Poland an opportunity to engage with Southeast Asia as part of its G20 activity.
Przydacz said Poland wants to use its G20 activity to build contacts not only in Europe and the US but also with the Global South. He said further Polish presidential visits are planned to the Middle East, Africa and South America before the December G20 summit in Miami.
Economic relations will be another area of focus. Przydacz described the Philippines as a market of almost 120 million people, with a young population and strong growth. Polish companies are interested in areas including agri-food and ICT.
He also pointed to existing defence ties, noting that Polish-made Black Hawk helicopters are used in the Philippines.
Przydacz said Poland and the Philippines are also connected by their shared cultural and ethical foundations, as well as support for international law and multilateral diplomacy.
The visit programme will include, among other things, an official welcome by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his wife, a meeting between the presidents followed by talks between their delegations, and the opening of the 5th Polish-Philippine IT Business Summit.
The programme also includes a visit to Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base, where Black Hawk helicopters manufactured by Poland’s PZL Mielec and purchased for the Philippine Air Force are located.
(sp)
Source: PAP